Moon Knight is a superhero who has been around in the Marvel Universe for over three decades. The character was created by Steve Gerber and David Mazzucchelli in 1975, but it wasn’t until Brian Michael Bendis took over writing duties in 2006 that the character really hit his stride.
best moon knight comics for beginners is a list of 15 best Moon Knight comics that are perfect to read right now.
Moon Knight is a popular Marvel character that has acquired a lot of popularity in recent comic book runs. So much so that the character is getting his own TV show and an official debut to the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
To be ready for the series, here’s a list of the 15 greatest Moon Knight comics and runs to read right now. I’ve rated them based on my own choice, which doesn’t necessarily imply that one is superior than the other – I just like it.
Moon Knight Vol. 7 #1 is the fifteenth issue in the Moon Knight series (2014)
This was the first issue in Warren Ellis and Declan Shalvey’s Moon Knight series, and it was fantastic. The anti-hero is given three distinct personas in the first issue, which delves further into his mental condition.
Moon Knight fights in his trademark all-white costume while fighting the nighttime terrors of New York City and solving the most twisted, strange mysteries. He doesn’t want to remain hidden in the shadows; he wants his adversaries to notice him approaching.
This typically results in a lot of pain and damage, but it wonderfully encapsulates Moon Knight’s personality and tactics. He isn’t scared to take a punch; in fact, he enjoys it and continues moving ahead. Despite the fact that issue #1 is a fantastic start to an excellent narrative, I am most fond of the artwork in this series.
Moon Knight #22-23 is number 14 in the series (1980)
Moon Knight #22 and #23 were published in the early 1980s as part of the first Moon Knight solo run. Although the whole Moench-Sienkiewicz series is fantastic, I picked these two issues as my favorites. It’s bleak, gritty, bleak, and frightening at moments. It gives you the shivers, and the fear is amplified to the maximum extent imaginable.
Moon Knight and Morpheus go head-to-head in combat in issues #22 and #23. Morpheus, who originally debuted in Moon Knight Vol. 1 #12 and again in #22-23, is one of my favorite Moon Knight adversaries (later, he appeared in other issues as well).
Because an experimental medication alters portions of his DNA, leading him to appear more like a vampire than a human, he named himself after the Greek deity of slumber. He also doesn’t need sleep, and he can subsequently influence other people’s brains by instilling nightmares in them. I’m hoping to see Morpheus in the next series as well.
Werewolf by Night #32-33 is the thirteenth installment in the Werewolf by Night series (1972)
It would be remiss not to include The Stalker Called Moon Knight’s debut appearance on this list. Marc Spector (as his alter ego Moon Knight) made his debut appearance in the Werewolf by Night #32 issue.
While we don’t get the character’s entire backstory, it’s a great start that establishes who he is, how he works, and what he’s all about. He’s on a quest for a werewolf with a bounty on his head on this specific run.
His real character is immediately apparent. He is unconcerned with the methods he must use as long as he achieves his objective. Only later do we learn more about the character’s background and deeper character development.
Moon Knight #1 (#12) (1980)
Moon Knight Vol. 1 #1 was Moon Knight’s debut solo comic book, and it launched a 30-issue monthly series. #22-23 is ranked fifteenth on this list, but #1 is where it all began. We learn more about Marc Spector and his relationship with the ancient Egyptian deity Khonshu.
Spector’s Moon Knight alter-ego, Khonshu, was a moon deity of wrath, which explains his outfit. Marc Spector was a mercenary who was betrayed and murdered, only to be reborn as Khonshu’s avatar, acquiring his abilities and carrying out his commands.
We also learn about Spector’s many personas and other important details about Moon Knight, giving us a much greater grasp of him and his abilities. This is also the first Moon Knight issue I’ve ever read, thus it has a special place in my heart.
Moon Knight #1 to #5 (2006)
Moon Knight had been a dormant character for years until being resurrected by writer Charlie Huston and artist David Finch. Fans chewed through the issues with extremely high praise, making it one of the coolest, darkest revivals in years.
The Bottom is a 2006 Moon Knight #1-5 compilation that delves into Spector’s mental problems as well as his connection and relationship with Khonshu. We’re not sure whether Khonshu is genuine or simply a fabrication of Spector’s mental illness at this time.
Moon Knight’s mental condition in the issues grew more darker and grittier, and the collection’s title, The Bottom, accurately reflects Moon Knight’s mental state in the issues. The deep gloomy mood will almost certainly have a significant impact on the next season.
10. The Moon Knight’s Vengeance #1 (2009)
In September 2009, a ten-part issue titled Vengeance of the Moon Knight was released. In terms of the story’s gloominess, darkness, and character design, the new, redesigned Moon Knight chose a softer route this time.
Don’t get me wrong: Moon Knight is still a ruthless mercenary, but Jerome Opena’s redesign gives him far more powerful armor and a desire to be a hero rather than simply a vigilante.
As we learn more about Spector’s relationship with Khonshu, his main aim in this series is to bring down Norman Osborn and his Dark Reign. The artwork is fantastic, and compared to some of the darker editions and issues, I think this run is far more kid-friendly.
Moon Knight #7 (#9) (2014)
Warren Ellis was announced as the next series’ writer at the opening of Moon Knight Vol. 7. On the first six numbers, he and Declan Shalvey collaborated. However, in Moon Knight #7, Shalvey was joined by Brian Wood, a new writing partner.
Wood took off exactly where Ellis left off in the great narrative. As if things weren’t already black enough, the whole city of New York falls dark in issue #7, and Moon Knight utilizes every means at his disposal to fight the new menace.
The issue maintains the character’s violent undertone and even expands on some of the concerns raised in previous issues, such as the Mr. Knight persona. This number appealed to me much more than the previous six.
Moon Knight Vol. 3 is the eighth installment in the Moon Knight series (1998)
The Resurrection War is the title of a four-part series that was released in 1998. Spector’s bond with the deity of vengeance, Khonshu, meant he couldn’t really die when he died in earlier episodes. Marc Spector is revived by the deity in Moon Knight Vol. 3 #1 and reclaims his vigilante position as the Moon Knight.
It’s a small series with just four parts, but I think it’s well crafted. Numerous amazing Moon Knight villains, like as Morpheus, Black Spectre, Seth Phalkon, and others, were effectively blended by Doug Moench and Tommy Lee Edwards.
Furthermore, one or more of these villains will very likely feature in the next series, so reading these few issues will help you get to know them.
Marvel Knights (No. 7) (2000)
Moon Knight did not join the Marvel Knights until later in the series. In 2000, Shang-Chi, Black Widow, Daredevil, Punisher, and Dagger debuted in Marvel Knights #1, which marked the start of a new team of heroes that included Shang-Chi, Black Widow, Daredevil, Punisher, and Dagger.
Moon Knight remains away from hero business after being revived by Khonshu one again — until he joins the Marvel Knights squad to combat new dangers.
Despite the fact that he only appeared in later issues, I find the possibility of a link intriguing. Shang-Chi, a film released just a few months ago, has been a big hit in theaters all over the globe. Perhaps there will be a link to the Moon Knight series, and who knows what other characters will be included in the narrative.
Shadowland is number six (2010)
Daredevil is at the heart of the narrative of Marvel’s Shadowland event, which spans many series and issues. He returns to New York with some ethically dubious operating techniques, putting him in conflict with a slew of other street-level heroes, some of whom are on his side and others who are working against him.
Spider-Man, Punisher, Luke Cage, and, of course, Moon Knight were among the characters participating. Daredevil beats Moon Knight and almost kills him, but when Khonshu arrives and demands it, Daredevil spares his life.
This piece of knowledge was important to me since it dispels any doubts regarding Khonshu’s existence. We can be certain that he is genuine and not simply a manifestation of Spector’s mental problems since he appears to someone other than Spector.
5. Avengers: The Age of Khonshu (Vol. 8) (2020)
Despite the fact that this was one of the most recent Moon Knight stories created in 2020, I enjoyed it much since it demonstrated the character’s full potential and strength. The Age of Khonshu lasted from Avengers Vol. 8 #33 to #37.
It’s a fascinating tale that pits Moon Knight against Earth’s most powerful heroes. Moon Knight can control the Avengers’ powers and confront them head-on thanks to an old link between Khonshu and the Avengers.
He was introduced to and intertwined with a slew of Marvel characters. Because it occurred so recently, I think the writers of the forthcoming Moon Knight series will draw heavily from The Age of Khonshu for ideas on how to incorporate the character into the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
4. Moon Knight #20, Vol. 5 (2008)
Despite the fact that I didn’t really like Moon Knight Vol. 5, this single issue is a hidden treasure amid the 2006-2009 ongoing series. It began with issues #1-5, which were formerly referred to as The Bottom on this list.
After that, the rest of Vol. 5 seemed like it drifted too far away from the character’s origins, but #20 brought me back to the Moon Knight from the Werewolf by Night and 1980s series, giving me nostalgic shivers.
Mike Benson and Mike Deodato Jr. took on Moon Knight #20, which debuted in 2008, and saw a shift in the crew. In Werewolf by Night, we saw Moon Knight flashback to his battle with Jack Russell, the werewolf.
The storyline, the character’s personality, and, most importantly, the artwork are all superbly executed and feel just like Moench and Sienkiewicz’s first few issues.
Moon Knight’s “High Strangers” is number three on the list (1999)
The four-part mini-series High Strangers premiered in 1999. Doug Moench returned as Moon Knight’s main writer, and he took the series in a completely new, daring, and uncharted territory. Spector uncovers a government conspiracy involving aliens, UFOs, mind control, and other bizarre topics that the character has never encountered before.
It’s a little different and funkier than the other Moon Knight volumes, stories, and issues, but I liked it much. Mark Teixeira, one of my favorite artists who worked on some versions of Ghost Rider, created the fantastic artwork.
The only drawback is that you’ll have to buy each issue separately since Marvel never officially released it as a compilation.
2. Lunatic Moon Knight Vol. 8 (2016)
There were a number of Moon Knight issues where the character was dealing with his mental illness, many personas, and other problems. The first section of Vol. 8, titled Lunatic, is, nevertheless, my personal favorite.
It was extremely ambitious, and it brilliantly portrayed the character’s mental battle with reality. The artwork by Greg Smallwood was great, but Jeff Lemire’s narrative stole the show for me.
Spector wakes up in a mental institution with no abilities in The Lunatic. He starts to doubt his own identities and personalities, even questioning if Khonshu ever existed. Later, it was believed that Khonshu had constructed a mind trap as well as other things. It’s one of the most bizarre, perplexing, and intriguing stories I’ve ever read.
Moon Knight Vol. 2: Night of the Jackal is the sequel of Moon Knight Vol. 1: Night of the Jackal (1985)
This narrative was nearly impossible for me to put down in one sitting. The Fist of Khonshu’s first narrative was Night of the Jackal, which was Moon Knight’s second solo run. Marc Spector had lost all of his abilities at the start of the narrative, which took place in 1985.
He had abandoned his role as Moon Knight in favor of focusing on art, establishing galleries all over the world. Khonshu, on the other hand, would not abandon him so easily. He starts to appear in Spector’s nightmares, constantly telling him to return to Egypt.
He ultimately fulfills Khonshu’s request and travels to Egypt, where the Priests of Khonshu bestow new abilities, weapons, and gadgets onto him, and he reclaims his title as Moon Knight. Later issues, on the other hand, speculate on the idea that the events of the Night of the Jackal were all a fiction of Spector’s mind due to his deteriorating mental state.
Regardless, I like the new take on the character, and the artwork was stunning.
If you read all of these issues, you’ll have a good idea of what to anticipate from the next series. The show’s creators still have a lot of uncharted territory with the character, but until we discover more about the storyline, the comic books are more than enough to keep us entertained.
The best moon knight comics reddit is a list of 15 best Moon Knight comics that you should read right now.
Frequently Asked Questions
What comics should I read for Moon Knight?
I recommend reading the following comics for Moon Knight:
Which Moon Knight run is the best?
The best run is the one that you find most enjoyable.
How many comics does Moon Knight have?
Moon Knight has 40 issues.
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